There is alot of interesting info in this new fishletter, I hope everyone here takes time to read the whole letter. Even though the sportsfishermen have little to no say in the politics, at least we can learn what is going on.
RT, My understanding is that the number of hatchery fish returning was not the reason for no chinnok sport season on the main stream Columbia, the issue was the impact on ESA listed wild stocks. Under secretarial order No.3206 from the Dept. of Interior the tribes got the whole quota of bycatch of protected fish. This will be the same problem next year. Did you read the part where the tribal lawyers interpret order No. 3206 to mean the tribes fishing will not be reduced untill all non treaty fishing is stopped for conservation purposes? At least Wa.State seems to be calling foul on this policy.